SONC Guest Speaker Kevin James
Kevin James will be the guest speaker at the Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council on May 14. He is the President of our city’s Board of Public Works and the city’s Director of Film and TV Production, as well as a former candidate for Mayor of Los Angeles. The Public Works Board oversees Street Services, street paving and sidewalk repair, tree trimming, the Bureau of Engineering, Street Lighting, Sanitation and trash collection. The meeting will be at Sherman Oaks Elementary School Auditorium, 14780 Dickens Street, ½ block east of Kester Ave, 6:30PM Monday May 14. Bring your questions.

Senior Lunch with Assemblyman Nazarian

Our State Assemblyman, Adrin Nazarian, will be at the Senior Center for lunch Friday, May 18. You are personally invited to attend a meet-and-greet lunch at the Sherman Oaks East Valley Adult Center. A meal will be provided by San Fernando Valley Interfaith Council, Inc., (VIC) and a small donation of $3.10 per meal is suggested, but not mandatory. You will be able to talk with him and ask questions up close and personal.
Friday, May 18, 11:30-12:30
East Valley Adult Center, 5056 Van Nuys Blvd.
Free parking in the lot next doorRSVP:[email protected]

SONC Committee Meetings

There will be SONC Committee meetings in May. See the dates below and check the complete agendas on our website: www.shermanoaksnc.org. We need your participation and input. Would you like to serve on one of these committees? You don't have to be a Board member to be on a committee. Contact [email protected].

May Newsletter

This May newsletter has 45 articles and was emailed to 18,564 subscribers. It was sent through NextDoor and through SONC's website. We recommend signing up on the website's "mailing list" and reading it with your browser. You are welcome to reprint any portion of this newsletter under one condition; reprints must include "This is reprinted from the SONC Newsletter. Go to www.shermanoaksnc.org to read the full issue." Send any comments or questions to [email protected].

Let’s Hear About Your Group’s Event

Is your group having an event? We’ll be glad to include it in this monthly newsletter that goes to over 18,000 Sherman Oaks families. Email the information to us by the third week of a month to be included in the following month’s newsletter. [email protected].

Free Shredding Event
Shred your documents after tax time. Saturday May 5 10AM-1PM at 14755 Huston Street in the Ernie’s Walk area. There will be a shredding truck with a window so you can see your papers shredded. For info call Sarah Kotler at 818.599.2870/ [email protected]

Free Homebuyers Seminar

The Southland Regional Association of Realtors will present a free seminar for first time home buyers. Learn the process from start to finish. How to get down payment assistance, FHA and bank loans, how to work with an agent, tax benefits, how to improve your credit score. No obligation. No sales. Saturday May 12, 2018 10AM-Noon. SRAR Auditorium, 7232 Balboa Blvd, Van Nuys 91406. Questions? [email protected] or 818-947-2298.

SONC Public Safety Committee will meet May 21st at 6:30PM at the Sherman Oaks Galleria Community Room, 1st Flr (behind Cheesecake Factory), 15301 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403. THIS IS A SPECIAL "NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH FORUM This will be a 90 minute meeting to discussing all things about Neighborhood Watch (whether there is on, how to form one, the role it plays, and how it works with the NextDoor website.
For more info contact committee co-chairs Kristin Sales [email protected] or Melissa Menard [email protected]

The Public Safety committee is focused on the safety of our neighborhoods and what we can do, on an ongoing basis to improve the overall safety of our stakeholders. As we all know, crime continues to plague our neighborhoods. Come join the conversation about where these crimes take place and what you can do as a member of the community to make a difference. We also discuss Public Safety topics currently making their way through the Public Safety Committee of Los Angeles City Council, and any role Sherman Oaks can play in the outcome of these topics. This Committee is Co-Chaired by Kristin Sales ([email protected]) and Melissa Menard ([email protected]).

Wild Flower Hill

Southern California has some spectacular wildflower spreads that are in full bloom during early May. These are so extensive that some can be seen from space. Most require a little driving, but one is right here in the Valley. Wildflower Hill sits above the Theodore Payne Foundation in Sun Valley. There is a ¾ mile trail that enters from the foundation property that you are welcome to walk on days the foundation is open. After you enter the gate, follow the signs to the Wildflower Hill Trail. For the best viewing, go during the first two weeks of May.
Theodore Payne Foundation for Wildflowers & Native Plants
10459 Tuxford Street
Sun Valley 91352
818-768-1802
Open Tues-Sat 8:30AM-4:30PM Closed Sun-Mon

Free Bulky Item and Furniture Pick Up

The Sanitation Department will pick up your old mattress, couch, or other bulky item. To schedule a pick up, call 311 or 1-800-773-2489 24 hours or use the MyLA311 app or use the website www.lacitysan.org or https://myla311.lacity.org. The Sanitation Department will schedule a pick up for you. To schedule a pick up you will need to have your DWP account number. Then click on "Create a Service Request", use GPS to identify the location, and receive an email confirmation and Service Request (SR) tracking number. Did one of your neighbors put a bulky item out and forget to schedule a pick up? Just follow the same procedure and it’ll be gone soon!

SONC Traffic and Transportation Committee

As we all know, the Sepulveda Pass Traffic has become unbearable. Fortunately, METRO has plans for solving this issue with the Sepulveda Transit Corridor Project, but we should make sure they listen to our local community input, and build it taking what's best for Sherman Oaks into consideration. Please join us on May 9th at 6:30 pm at the Sherman Oaks Library, where we will have updates from Karen Swift, the community relations manager for METRO, and Madeleine Moore, the Deputy for Special Projects, from the office of County Commissioner Sheila Kuehl, and Darrell Clarke, from the Sierra Club. They will to update us on the progress of this project and on the future timeline, and ways to give our community input. Contact Avo Babian at [email protected]

Metro's Sepulveda Transit Corridor Project

To help gather information for the Sepulveda Transit Corridor project, Metro is conducting a short online survey to understand more about those who use the 405 freeway, Sepulveda Boulevard, canyon roads and other routes between the San Fernando Valley, the Westside, LAX, the South Bay. Take the survey at https://sur-vey.typeform.com/to/bQV8eD

LADWP will be replacing a water pipeline on Benedict Canyon Drive at Liebe Drive to improve the water system and fire protection. Benedict Canyon Drive will be closed to traffic between Mulholland and Hutton Drive from 9 am to 9 pm Monday-Friday and 9 am to 6 pm on scheduled Saturdays starting May 1 through Nov. 30. Residents, designated visitors, deliveries and emergency vehicles will be allowed access. For more information, visit www.ladwp.com/benedictcanyon

SONC Green and Beautification Committee

Are you interested in helping beautify Ventura Blvd to make it more beautiful, more walkable. Join us for our next Green and Beautification meeting on May 2nd at 6:30 pm at the Sherman Oaks Library, where we will be focusing on helping to create a Business Improvement District along Ventura Blvd, between Woodman and Fulton. This project will try to re create the success of the BID which already exists on Ventura between Van Nuys and Kester. All Volunteers are welcomed. Contact Avo Babian at [email protected]

Aviation Careers Education for 7th - 12th Graders

The Van Nuys Airport is hosting a wonderful, FREE academy for 7th - 12th graders to learn about the aeronautical industry. The week-long motivational program is designed to introduce students to the broad spectrum of career opportunities within the aviation/aeronautical industry, as well as general knowledge about the Van Nuys Airport. The deadline to apply is Friday, June 1, 2018. You can view the application and read more information at https://www.iflyvny.com/en/aviation-careers-education

Report Non-Emergency Crimes

You can now report non emergency crimes for such crimes as harassing phone calls, illegal dumping, lost property and vandalism. Reports can be made at www.lapdonline.org.

VegFest Los Angeles is a 1 day event about the Vegan lifestyle. This event showcases the combination of great music, empowering speakers, environmental, humanitarian and animal welfare non-profits, kids' activities and a delicious food court make for an earth-friendly experience that is sure to be motivating and enjoyable for all.
Woodley Park
Sunday May 6 10:30AM-6:30PM
Free Admission

About SONC

The Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council is the first level of your city government. We are not homeowner's association or a club; we are an important part of your city government. We are here to bridge the gap between you and City Hall. Board members are elected by the public and serve without pay. Do you have a city related question or problem? Contact us by using the contact form on our website, www.shermanoaksnc.org, or call (818) 503-2399. Board meetings are at Sherman Oaks Elementary School Auditorium, 14780 Dickens St, 6:30 PM the 2nd Monday evening of most months. All meetings are open to the public. The Council files "Community Impact Statements"(CIS) with City agencies and the City Council on important pending issues. If you miss a meeting you can read the CIS or the minutes on the website after they have been approved the following month.

Do you live in Sherman Oaks Area 5 and have time to serve on the SONC? If you do, we would like to talk with you. Area 5 is between the 101 Freeway on the North, Hazeltine Ave on the West, Ventura Blvd on the South, and in the 91423 ZIP Code. Email [email protected].

Planning and Land Use

On May 17 at the Sherman Oaks Library our PLUM Committee (Planning & Land Use Management )will be IMT’s presentation of their mixed use development project for the Sunkist site at Hazeltine Avenue and Riverside Drive. To check the complete agendas and project drawings log on to our website: www.shermanoaksnc.org. For more information contact Jeff Kalban at [email protected]

Vision Committee

May 3 is the next Vision meeting is 6:03 at the Sherman Oaks Library. We will review studies regarding housing the homeless in Sherman Oaks. Our discussions will include our guests Stephanie Klasky-Gamer, Pres. & CEO, L.A. Family Housing and Tommy Newman Esq., Director of Public Affairs, United Way. For more information contact Jeff Kalban at [email protected]

Does Your Street Need Speed Humps?

The City Council restarted the Speed Hump Program after an eight-year pause. When LADOT opened up an on-line application process last fall, the overwhelming response request allocations filled within two hours of the link going “live.” Staff capped requests at 486 locations to provide adequate review, and found 117 locations feasible for installation. The Speed Hump Application period opens twice a year. Applications can be filed online starting 8AM September 12, 2018. Get your information ready now so you can file in the first few minutes. Only 30 applications will be allowed per council district. Of those 2 will be chosen and completed in about a year. For complete instructions on how to request Speed Humps go to http://ladot.lacity.org/how-do-i/request-speed-humps. It is a 3 step process. Read the information page now. You will need a person that is willing to coordinate the process as a liaison for your block. You will need to get 50% of the people on your block to agree to the installation. Get the commitments now. You will be required to do the first 2 steps online and the available applications will be filled within a few minutes. After you have done the first 2 steps the Department will do the third. Note two things 1) You are not guaranteed to have your request filled 2) The city installs Speed Humps not Speed Bumps. “Bumps” are the small bumps used in parking lots; “Humps” are the larger things you see in a street.

SONC Outreach Committee

The SONC Outreach Committee is planning the "SONC Summer Series" -- three free Movies in the Park, scheduled for June 30, July 28, and August 25. The movies will be shown at the Van Nuys Sherman Oaks War Memorial Park, the Hazeltine field. We're looking forward to a great turnout. Mark your calendars now and plan to bring a picnic dinner.

The Outreach Committee is also looking into better ways to communicate with everyone. We welcome ideas and participation. Check the SONC website for the next Outreach Committee meeting, usually held on the third Tuesday of the month. Or email [email protected] if you're interested in joining.

Travel Town Railroad Museum

The northwest corner of Griffith Park is the destination for train enthusiasts and curious kids. Travel Town, open all week, is full of historic rail stock like an 1880 Southern Pacific locomotive and an 1881 Union Pacific caboose; the museum also expertly explains how the railroads helped build Southern California. Lovers of things that go choo-choo should be sure to visit the park on a Sunday, when the neighboring Los Angeles Live Steamers section is open for railheads. Take the #134 Freeway to the Forest Lawn exit. Free admission.
Monday through Friday - 10:00 am to 4:00 pm PDT
Saturday & Sunday - 10:00 am to 5:00 pm PDT
For information, call 323-662-5874

The LA Department of Animal Services is offering free cat spay & neuter during the month of May. Everyone is eligible; the only requirement is to bring in your cat or kitten. There is a limit of 3 cats per household. Apply online at www.spayneuter.com or 888-452-7381 or come to the East Valley Shelter, 14409 Vanowen Street, 1 block east of Van Nuys Blvd. Open Tues-Sat 8AM-5PM, Sunday 11AM-5PM, closed Monday.

Don’t have a cat? There are some very cute kittens at the shelter waiting to meet you.

Special Events at the Sherman Oaks Library
Why we laugh. This program features a documentary, lecture, Q&A. Sat May 5 2-3PM
California Healthier Living Mon May 7 2-4:30PM
Nights in Old Hawaii. Linda Ball, Author Thurs May 10 6:30PM
Used Book Sale Sat May 12 9:30AM-1:30PM
Building with Lego for kids Weds May 16 4-5PM
Movie – The Shape of Water Weds May 16 5:30PM
Reiki – Whole person mind, body, spirit Fri May 18 12-1PM
Hearing Loss Association Sat May 26 9:30AM
Movie – All the Money in the World Sat May 26 2PM

Volunteers Needed to Help Clean Up a School

Put on by L.A. Works, a nonprofit volunteer recruiting and management organization. LA Works partners with over 1000 other nonprofits throughout Los Angeles to help them with their volunteer needs. We also host our own Day of Service events to provide volunteers with a chance to give back to their community. 100 volunteers are needed to build a raised vegetable garden, paint murals and other projects. Calahan students have decided on an environmental theme and will be presenting projects that they have been working on. A light breakfast, snacks and lunch will be provided.
Saturday, May 19th 9AM – 12 noon
Calahan Community Charter Elementary School in NorthridgeRegistration: www.laworks.com/RSVPGreenClean

New Restaurants in Sherman Oaks

Wild & Free. Kids Eat Free with purchase of regular adult entree every Wednesday from 3 - 6 pm. Wild & Free, the new elevated rotisserie chicken and farm fresh eatery on Van Nuys Blvd. (just south of the 101 Freeway) every Wednesday afternoon for "Kids Eat Free!"Frida, 15301 Ventura in the Sherman Oaks Galleria. The best Mexican restaurant in Los Angeles. FRIDA Mexican Cuisine is your ambassador to authentic, artisanal, and traditional Mexican cuisine.Bluebird Brasserie, 13730 Ventura Blvd. Bluebird Brasserie pays homage to the deep-rooted beer culture and culinary tastes of Belgium. The seven-barrel brewhouse helps fill 16 taps with Belgian-style house beers. Revel in a carefully curated bottle list, classic cocktails, and absinthe fountains coupled with a fresh, bright vegan-friendly menu.Bollywood Bites, 13355 Ventura Blvd. A pioneer of serving Indian food. Started as an idea by Chef Sanjay Patel. It caters to Indian food cravings of its loyal customers, who enjoy the ambience, service and Indian food.

At the Skirball - Leonard Bernstein at 100

A celebration of the life and work of Leonard Bernstein (1918–1990), the great American composer and conductor who dedicated his life to making classical music a vibrant part of American culture. Leonard was known as “The Renaissance man of American music.” This is the most comprehensive retrospective of Bernstein’s life and career ever staged in a museum setting. To explore the many facets of Bernstein’s life, this exhibition of over 150 objects will include photographs, personal items, papers, scores, correspondence, costumes, furniture, and audio and video recordings. Featured objects on display will include Bernstein’s conductor baton, his first childhood piano, the desk used to compose West Side Story, handwritten score sheets for songs from West Side Story, including “America,” “Tonight,” and “Maria,” and Bernstein’s handwritten Harvard study notebook from 1939.

Andres Pico Adobe

The Andres Pico Adobe, built in 1834, is one of the oldest adobe structures in the City of Los Angeles. Today, the Adobe serves as a museum of Valley history, with exhibits of native American beads, Mission and Spanish-Mexican era artifacts, costumes and clothing that span more than a century, and furniture from the Victorian era, when it was home to members of the Pico family. In addition to exhibit galleries, the Adobe contains a research library, photographic archives, and is used at the official headquarters of the San Fernando Valley Historical Society.
Monday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Sunday, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
10940 Sepulveda Blvd., Mission Hills, CA 91346. 818-365-7810.

Museum of the San Fernando Valley

The Museum has conducted over 50 interviews with valley residents that come from all walks of life including actors, cowboys, WWII veterans, policemen, firemen, housewives, teachers, entertainment executives and much more.Become part of the legacy of the San Fernando Valley. Contact the museum, fill out a questionnaire and be approved for an interview. The Museum will come to you. Interviews may be for one person or a group for 15 min to one hour. For more information on the Oral Histories program, please contact Michel Stevens at 818-347-9665 or [email protected] TheMuseumSFV.org

Sidewalk repair

Does the sidewalk need repair in front of your home or business? The city is fixing sidewalks, but it’s a 30 year program. If you want to repair the sidewalk now, the city will share the cost and give you a rebate of up to $10,000 for residential & commercial properties. Get the info at http://www.sidewalks.lacity.org/ click on "rebates." Be sure to do this before you start work to get the details and qualify to get your rebate.

Potholes Need Filling?

Thanks to all who emailed to give us their favorite potholes. The Department of Street Services worked on them at the end of February. Our next pothole filling event will be in mid-August. We are collecting locations that need work now. In order to get right spots fixed we need the address in front of the pothole, for intersections – the names of both streets, for alleys – the names of all 4 surrounding streets. Send us the locations – we'll get the holes fixed. Go to our website www.shermanoaksnc.org; click on “Contact us”; and type in the information.

The Winnetka Bowl and San Fernando Valley Symphony Orchestra present The Symphomamiax who Perform music from baroque to contemporary by your favorite composers of the times, as well as a selection of well-known "pop" classics. Featured players are Ruth Bruegger violin, James Domine guitar, Glenn Grab cello, Larry Muradian bass.
Free Admission/Two Drink Minimum (includes soft drinks, juice, bottled water) Persons under 21 years not Admitted
Wednesday, May 2 at 8:00 pm
The Winnetka Bowl
"Lane 33" Lounge
20122 Vanowen Street in Winnetka

A Giant Singalong

Come join the fun as you sing along to all the songs you know, remember, and love. Beatles, Stones and Classic Songs Sing Along with The Back Room Trio. "Classics Of All Classics" with a mix of real oldies from "Ain't Misbehavin'" and "Sweet Georgia Brown", to Patsy Cline hits and 60s and 70s classics from Buffalo Springfield, Eagles, Crosby Stills & Nash, Stones, Santana, The Mamas and the Papas, Carole King, Stevie Wonder and of course always a few Beatles.
Saturday, May 5 - 7:30 to 10pm
Henri's Back Room
21601 Sherman Way in Canoga Park
818-348-5582

21st Annual Calabasas Arts Festival

The annual Fine Arts Festival features over 150 painters, jewelers, potters, sculptors, photographers, glass artists, woodworkers and more. Participating exhibitors travel from all over the Western United States to showcase beautiful works of art made by the artists' own hands. Fine dining restaurants, gourmet food trucks and live musical performances.
Sat-Sun May 5-6 10 am to 5 pm
Commons at Calabasas and the Calabasas Civic Center
23975 Park Sorrento, Calabasas
Free admission

Spring Chickens Senior Improv Group
Every Wednesday from 1:30 to 3:30 pm
Do you like to perform for family and friends? Join this established group to develop your improv and performance skills and meet new friends at the same time! New participants must audition. You may just drop in but must audition in class to see if you can do improv!
The monthly class fee is $5.00
Balboa Sports Center
17015 Burbank Blvd in Encino
818-756-9642

Need a Ride to the Senior Center?

The center offers door-to-door service to get you to the Center or to Medical Appointments. The LA CityRide program will provide the ride. You have to be a LA resident, 65 or older, disabled. Rides are given Monday – Friday 8am to 4pm. Usually 2 weeks notice is required; so call as so as you make your doctor’s appointment (818) 981-1284 Ext 223.

ONEgeneration Health Fair

Saturday, May 19 from 9am to 2 pm
ONEgeneration Senior Center
18255 Victory Blvd in Reseda
Receive a free lunch if you register in advance at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/onegeneration-10th-annual-senior-symposium-job-fair-tickets-44048073975?aff=escb&utm-medium=discovery&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-source=cp&utm-term=eventcard

Read and Talk About Books

Meet the first and third Tuesday of every month from 10:30am to Noon. The ONEgeneration book club. For information call 818-705-2345
ONEgeneration Senior Center
18255 Victory Blvd, Reseda

Free Movies at the East Valley Adult Center

5056 Van Nuys Blvd
Tuesdays 12:30PM
May 1 Armageddon – Action Sci-Fi 1998
May 8 To Be or Not To Be (Jack Benny) – Comedy 1942
May 14 SONC Board – Kevin James guest speaker
May 15 Movie Wilder Days – Family Drama 2003
May 18 Lunch with Assemblyman Nazarian
May 22 Movie Tristan & Isolde – Action Family 2008
May 29 Movie Journey to the Center of the Earth Action Family 2007